Waterproof Digital Photography

2001 was a pivotal year for on-the-water digital cameras (digicams). Little cameras were cautiously popping out of dry bags, and paddlers rafted up to view the results on tiny liquid crystal display (LCD) screens on the backs of the cameras. Digital images produced by these hi-tech wonders could be e-mailed to friends and family or even sent from expeditions via satellite phone to be loaded daily onto Web sites. Digital does away with film and developing expenses-just transfer the files to your computer, and you're ready to go again. With in-camera editing, movie modes, "stitched" panoramas, reasonable prices, and new compact waterproof cases-digital has come to kayaking.

For 2002, prices are dropping, and the number of features are rising. The cost of memory, a big bugaboo just last year, has dropped through the floor. 128-MB memory cards sell for under $60 and have the capacity to store a dozen to hundreds of images, depending on image dimensions.

Waterproof cases for select digital cameras from Canon, Sony and Olympus first hit the market in 2000. Underwater housings for digicams have been available before, but they've been much bulkier and more expensive than the new compact cases. They hold the cameras securely, are lightweight, and take up only a little more space than a 35mm point-and-shoot. This year's models are depth-rated to 100 ft or more, great for snorkeling, diving-or kayaking. External, O-ring sealed buttons control most or all of the camera functions.